The House of Representatives And The Senate 111

The House of Representatives And The Senate 111 TH CONGRESS

Congressional Sessions Each term of Congress has two sessions Sessions last until Congress votes to adjourn

The House of Representatives # of members: Length of term: 435 Based on states’ population (census) Serve for 2 years Age 25 years old

House of Reps (cont. ) Residency: 7 years a U. S. citizen Live in the state you represent Leader Speaker of the House (next in line behind VP)

The Senate # of members: 100 (two for each state) Length of term: Serve for 6 years (1/3 elected every two years) 30 years old Age:

The Senate (cont. ) Residency: 9 years a U. S. citizen Live in the state you represent Leader Vice President Also, floor leaders and whips

Both Set their members’ salaries, they receive numerous benefits, allowances for office staffs & business trips, tax breaks for maintaining two residences and pensions when retire Immune from arrest – if not a felony or treason Can not be sued for libel when in session May refuse to seat a member and may censure or expel members

A & B Conversation If you were a politician, would you rather be a member of the House or the Senate? Why?

The Members of Congress ½ are lawyers Most white, middle-aged males, but increasingly starting to reflect the ethnic, racial and gender of nation. Incumbent members win reelection to office b/c they’re well known, easier to raise campaign funds, and often represent gerrymandered districts Starting to use internet as campaign tool

How a Bill Becomes a Law Complete “How a Bill becomes a Law” graphic organizer. ” Define – Bicameral Legislature, Session, Census, redistrict, filibuster, gerrymandering, and incumbent ADD to vocabulary list Define 27 th Amendment Define the following types of committees Standing Committee Select Committees Joint Committees Conference Committees